Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome
Dr. Simon Modi – Consultant Cardiologist/Electrophysiologist, Dr. Robert Cooper –
Cardiology Specialist Registrar, Suzanne Kelly – Heart Rhythm Specialist Nurse
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
Brugada syndrome:
Brugada syndrome is a purely electrical disorder of the heart. It does not show up on heart
scans as the heart size and structure is often normal. An ECG is the only way this
abnormality can be can be picked up. Sometimes repeated ECGs at different times, after
large meals or after an injection of a special heart rhythm medicine are required to diagnose
the condition. Under certain circumstances it can cause a fatal disturbance of the heart’s
rhythm. Fever, certain medications and sleep are all potential triggers for rhythm
disturbance in the Brugada syndrome. Many Brugada syndromes are inherited and family
screening is important. People with Brugada syndrome generally feel well but may have
noted prior dizzy spells or faints. The Brugada syndrome almost always affects young men.
ECG showing the Brugada syndrome
Left = normal ECG. Right = Brugada ECG change